Speaking during a church service in Kajiado County on Sunday, Gachagua dismissed claims that Uhuru should retreat from active political engagement, insisting that retirement from office does not mean withdrawal from national discourse.
He emphasized that the former Head of State retains full constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and political association.
“The former president must be respected. He may have retired from the presidency, but his mind is not retired,” Gachagua said, defending Uhuru’s continued involvement in political matters.
His remarks come in the wake of criticism from several Kenya Kwanza leaders who have accused Uhuru of breaching expectations of neutrality traditionally associated with retired presidents.
The leaders argued that Uhuru’s active participation in politics risks fueling division instead of promoting unity.
Among those who weighed in is National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who urged the former president to adopt a more statesmanlike role.
Among those who weighed in is National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who urged the former president to adopt a more statesmanlike role.
Speaking at separate events in Busia County, Wetang’ula called on Uhuru to follow the example of past leaders by stepping back from partisan politics and focusing on fostering national cohesion.
“I respect Uhuru as a former president, but he should now serve as a beacon of peace and unity,” Wetang’ula stated.
Gachagua, however, took a different view, arguing that participation in politics after leaving office is not unusual in democratic societies. He pointed to global examples where former leaders continue to support their parties and contribute to public debate.
The former deputy president also used the platform to compare Uhuru’s administration with the current government under President William Ruto.
“I respect Uhuru as a former president, but he should now serve as a beacon of peace and unity,” Wetang’ula stated.
Gachagua, however, took a different view, arguing that participation in politics after leaving office is not unusual in democratic societies. He pointed to global examples where former leaders continue to support their parties and contribute to public debate.
The former deputy president also used the platform to compare Uhuru’s administration with the current government under President William Ruto.
He claimed that several key social programmes introduced during Uhuru’s tenure were functioning effectively but are now facing challenges.
According to Gachagua, initiatives such as maternal healthcare, education support schemes, and scholarship programmes were better managed before the transition of power.
According to Gachagua, initiatives such as maternal healthcare, education support schemes, and scholarship programmes were better managed before the transition of power.
He suggested that the current administration should focus on improving service delivery rather than engaging in political disputes with former leaders.
Uhuru himself has defended his continued political involvement, maintaining that he remains a committed member of the Jubilee Party.
Uhuru himself has defended his continued political involvement, maintaining that he remains a committed member of the Jubilee Party.
Speaking during a recent event in Narok County, he argued that democratic principles allow individuals to remain active in politics regardless of previous positions held.
He cited international examples, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, to support his position that retired leaders can still play meaningful roles in shaping political discourse.
He cited international examples, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, to support his position that retired leaders can still play meaningful roles in shaping political discourse.
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